A doctor in Oakville, Ontario, is facing a fresh sexual assault charge, adding to his history of previous allegations. Dr. Clarence Clottey, a 64-year-old physician, was charged after an adult female patient reported an incident that occurred during a visit to “Bristol Family Physicians,” a clinic located on Bristol Circle in Oakville. The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) arrested Clottey on Tuesday following the woman’s accusation of sexual misconduct.
According to police, the alleged assault took place while the patient was being examined by Clottey at the clinic. Authorities responded to the report and subsequently took the doctor into custody. He has since been charged with one count of sexual assault. Clottey was released from custody pending a court appearance scheduled to take place in Milton.
As part of their investigation, police released Clottey’s photo in hopes of identifying any additional victims. Investigators believe there may be other women who experienced similar incidents while under his care.
This recent charge against Clottey is not the first time he has been accused of sexual misconduct. His history of allegations dates back several years, involving multiple incidents and legal battles. In January 2020, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) imposed restrictions on his medical practice following earlier allegations of misconduct and separate sexual assault charges. At the time, Clottey was 59 years old.
Clottey’s first major legal encounter occurred in 2016 when he was arrested and charged with six counts of sexual assault. These charges stemmed from accusations made by six different female patients, who testified that Clottey had inappropriately touched them during medical examinations. The criminal trial that followed saw all six women take the stand to recount their experiences.
Despite the multiple allegations and testimonies, Clottey was acquitted of all charges in 2018. However, just a year after his acquittal, the HRPS arrested him again, this time in connection with an alleged sexual assault of a female patient in 2014. The recurring nature of the accusations continued to raise concerns within the medical community and among patients.
In response to the multiple allegations, the CPSO implemented strict practice restrictions on Clottey’s ability to see female patients. These restrictions, which were put in place following the 2014 accusation, prohibited Clottey from conducting any examinations involving the breast, pelvic, or rectal areas of female patients. He was required to refer any female patient requiring such examinations to another physician. These measures were designed to limit Clottey’s direct contact with female patients in certain situations, following concerns about the nature of the accusations.
Additionally, the CPSO suspended Clottey’s medical license for a period of one year, a suspension that took effect in 2017. This disciplinary action was a result of the numerous complaints and legal challenges associated with Clottey’s practice. The CPSO’s involvement underscored the seriousness of the allegations and the medical community’s responsibility to protect patients from potential misconduct.
The latest sexual assault charge against Clottey has reignited discussions about the safety of patients and the importance of thorough oversight in medical practices. Patients who visit doctors and other healthcare professionals place a great deal of trust in those who are tasked with their care, and any breach of that trust can have devastating consequences. In cases like Clottey’s, where allegations of misconduct continue to emerge, it raises questions about how such incidents are addressed within the medical field and what additional safeguards can be implemented to protect vulnerable individuals.
While Clottey maintains his innocence in this latest charge, the legal process will determine the outcome of the case. In the meantime, the police’s appeal for additional victims to come forward remains active, as investigators work to ensure that all potential victims receive justice. Anyone with information related to Clottey’s actions or who may have been affected by his conduct is encouraged to contact the HRPS.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding allegations of sexual assault, particularly within professional environments where trust and care are paramount. For patients, it highlights the importance of speaking up and seeking help if they feel they have been wronged by a healthcare provider. For the medical community, it underscores the need for continued vigilance, accountability, and a commitment to patient safety.
Dr. Clarence Clottey, once acquitted of multiple charges, now faces another round of legal scrutiny. The coming months will likely shed more light on the case and its broader implications for the medical profession and the protection of patients in Canada.
